Location: Laurel, MD (JHU/APL Campus)
Campus Size: 360 acres
Project Fee: $525,100
Client: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Role: Civil Engineering Consultant (RK&K)
Project Overview
RK&K led a comprehensive site optimization and planning effort across the expansive 360-acre Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory campus in Laurel, Maryland. The project focused on identifying and designing multiple outdoor testing areas (OTAs), a large surface parking facility, and associated infrastructure improvements to support APL’s growing operational needs. RK&K’s approach emphasized early stakeholder engagement, real-time design collaboration, and integration with concurrent campus initiatives. The project required balancing environmental constraints, utility coordination, and regulatory compliance while maintaining flexibility for future campus development.
Scope of Services
Conceptual Planning & Site Optimization
Analyzed five site layout options using advanced modeling tools to evaluate grading, utility design, and surface parking configurations.
Delivered site analysis reports for each option, including cut/fill volumes, utility needs, and rough order-of-magnitude cost estimates.
Facilitated a full-day Site Planning Workshop with segmented stakeholder sessions to collaboratively refine site layouts and test-fit scenarios in real time.
Developed environmental concept plans and site development plans based on workshop outcomes.
Final Design
Designed improvements across multiple campus locations, including:
Three Outdoor Testing Areas (OTAs) ranging from 5 to 7 acres, tailored to APL’s field testing requirements.
Surface Parking Lot with 380 spaces, integrated with existing campus parking infrastructure.
Front Lawn Re-Grading to support earthwork flexibility for concurrent campus projects.
Site layout and grading, retaining walls, and utility infrastructure (electric, telecom, water).
Design of small CMU storage buildings (one per OTA).
Stormwater management BMPs and erosion/sediment control features.
Field Investigations
Conducted geotechnical testing for each OTA.
Performed natural resource investigations to verify wetlands and waterways.
Completed a full-campus wetland delineation and summarized findings in a report for APL.
Regulatory Coordination & Adjacent Project Integration
Coordinated closely with APL and other project teams to align schedules and design requirements.
Prepared and submitted Howard County ECP and SDP plans.
Obtained necessary permits in compliance with ESC, SWM, and forest conservation regulations.
Key Features & Innovations
Collaborative workshops enabled rapid consensus-building and design iteration.
Real-time site optimization using Civil 3D modeling tools to balance cut/fill across multiple sites.
Integrated planning with adjacent campus projects to streamline development.
Designed flexible infrastructure to support APL’s evolving operational needs.
Successfully navigated Howard County’s regulatory approval process.